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INTRODUCTION

Parents play a critical role in the upbringing of their children, not only guardians but also
teacher and role model. Who shape the values and behavior of their children. Parents are
responsible for providing guidance, support and encouragement to their children throughout their
lives. They must ensure that the environment in which they raise their children is good for to
learning creativity and exploration. They should be aware that they raise their children is good for
to learning creativity and exploration. They have an important role to play in setting a good
example for their children. By demonstrating in loving behaviors and positive values. They do
teach to their children to learn and experience the knowledge that helps their overall development
and vessels for forming them to become a well did rightly and made more polished in behavior to
do with a human being . They send into undergrowing growth chief place getting together and self-
control in their children. The parent’s part in making clear support for their child’s education.
parent’s part in making their home as a good place for living, to about money support our children,
to keep safe our children from harm, to make ready medical care, safety, supervision, and control.
Parent -child relationship is important so being responsible for general looks also have power
over acted on children’s future living. They play an important role in the childhood of their
childhood.

Childhood is followed by adolescence or pre-adulthood and it is a special period in life.

This stage is usually dynamic because young people experienced rapid changes in body, mind, and
psyche. This is usually the time when they begin to develop their identity as individuals and
experienced the real world without supervision, learning and developing an independent
understanding of it. They then also seek freedom parental control and authority and want to be
accepted into peer groups. But according to internal working model, parenting style has an impact
throughout life. So parenting style has important role in our life.

Parenting styles

According to Darling and Steinberg (1993) parenting style as a constellation of parent’s

attitudes and behaviors towards children and an emotional climate in which the parents’ behavior
are expressed. According to the development psychologist Baumrind in 1960’s his theory there is
a close relation between sorts of parenting styles such as authoritative parenting, authoritarian
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parenting and permissive parenting. Maccoby and martin modified Baumrind’s theory in the
1980’s. He is using two dimensional frame work and the extended Baumrind’s permissive
parenting style into two different types, permissive parenting and neglectful /uninvolved parenting
style. These are the four types of parenting styles.

Authoritative parenting style: This parents respect each of their children’s view and allow
them to be different. Although, there are rules with in the household, the parents allow discussion
if the children that although they need final authority, some negotiation and compromise may
happen. These parents are both responsive and demanding. They’re firm, but they discipline
amorously and affection instead of power and that they are likely to elucidate rules and
expectations to their children who have high self -esteem and are independent, inquisitive, happy,
assertive and interactive. These types of parents are high care and low protection.

Authoritarian parenting style: this includes less warmth, higher controlling traits and low
autonomy granting. Such authoritarian style parents are rigid in disciplinarians, use a restrictive,
follow punitive style, and demand that their adolescent to follow parental directions (kopko,2007).
They seem cold and rejecting, don’t engage into discussions with their teens and value strict
discipline over independent behavior. children of these parents could also suffer from such quite
behavior like anxious, nervous and unhappy, have low self-esteem and should become very
disobedient nature or dependent as they reach adolescence.

Permissive parenting style: includes high warmth but lower and rather of granting
autonomy, they permit children to allow take opinions for themselves indeed when they are unable
of doing so. They’re tolerant and not exceptionally active in their parenthood, and believe that the
way to illustrate their love is given in to their adolescent’s wishes (kopko , 2007). As consequences,
the children may become impulsive, defiant, demanding and rebellious.

Uninvolved parenting style: They have less warmth, little control and lack of interest
towards granting autonomy, these parents are unconcerned about child rearing, too busy in with
their own stress to devote time and energy to their children (Maccoby and Martin ,1983). They
may respond to children’s demands for objects within reach, but lack parenting strategies such as
monitoring, discipline, communication, listening, guidance, and expressing love and care.
Children of such parents typically have poor emotional self-regulation, academic difficulties and
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antisocial behavior (Berk, 2007). This parenting style include low care and low protection. This
type of parenting style considered as the bad type of parenting style.

According to Parker, Tupling and Brown parental bonding instrument measured two scales
termed care and overprotection or control. Over protection is to protect someone or something
more than is necessary or reasonable. Overprotective parenting in low-risk environments may have
negative consequences for the psychosocial development of children and youth. In light of the
child’s actual risk level and the child’s development stage, overprotective parents exhibit excessive
guarding behavior. The decided goal of overprotective parents is to ensure their children’s
emotional and physical safety. Despite the fact that their children typically live in relatively safe
environments, these parents are obsessed with their children’s physical safety. The actual risk is
much lower than the levels of protection. They are preoccupied with ensuring their children’s
emotional well-being by assisting them in overcoming all challenges and absorbing the stresses of
daily life. Some parents are overprotective because they want to take every precaution to keep
children safe and give them the best chance at success in life. Parents frequently choose for this
rigorous parenting style in an affectionate but misguided attempt to change their child’s outcome.
parents are innately guardians. Parents adore and care their children ,and they want to raise them
to be successful, healthy and successful. The desire to safeguard the health of their children by
avoiding sickness, damaged feelings, and failure. Yet, parents who overprotect their children
become overly helpful, intervene to save the day every time something goes slightly wrong, or
hide the child from all the worst aspects of the outside world. Parents that are overly cautions are
frequently fearful and worried about potential threats. Overparenting behavior is more likely to be
displayed by parents who have an anxiety or panic problem. Care is feeling concern, interest
towards someone. Parental care can be defined as any nongenetic contribution by a parent that
increase the fitness of offspring, and can occur before or after laying or birth.

PERCEIVED PARENTING STYLE:

Perceived parenting style is defined as an opinion of individuals of parental behaviours

during their childhood. Assessment of parental behavior in the point of view of children is very
important to study how a particular parenting pattern is perceived by the child. There are two types
of perceived parenting styles such as care and overprotection. Several studies have revealed that
rejective and overprotective parenting styles are significantly correlated with the emotional
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intelligence in the children. Overprotective parenting style can make the children dependent to
parents and they are less likely to feel autonomous and are unable to cope with hardships (Fonte,
2009; Lopes et al., 2004). Therefore, the investigator decides to explore The Relationship between
Perceived Parenting Style and Attachment Pattern among Newly-weds.

ATTACHMENT

According to Bowlby (1977), attachment is the warm connection between an infant and
primary caregiver, where the attachment figure (primary caregiver) is expected to provide a safe
and secure ambiance to the infant where he/she can actively explore oneself and excel in his/her
environment. This attachment pattern developed in infancy is likely to be present throughout the
life of the individual (Waters et al., 2000). Early family experiences provide the framework for
attachment style exhibited in adulthood where family and parenting pattern molds the attachment
pattern in an individual (Bartholomew, 1990). Based upon these, three different styles of
attachment are noted as secure attachment style, anxious/ambivalent attachment style, avoidant
attachment style (Ainsworth, 1985; Hazan, Shaver, 1987). Fuller and Fincham (1995), defined
types of attachment styles with respect to the approach of the caregiver to the needs and demands
of the infant. If the basic needs of the child have been met constantly by the caregiver a secure
attachment style is expected to develop within the child. On the other hand, if those needs are
constantly avoided or ignored in the childhood, it is likely to develop an avoidant or anxious
attachment style. During the time of hardships and conflicts, a child naturally looks for an
attachment figure to seek comfort. The presence or absence of such a figure initiate the
modification of attachment pattern within that individual. To be more precise, the presence of an
attachment figure at times leads to the hyperactivation of attachment system making the person
more anxious whereas the absence of attachment figure deactivates the attachment system making
them avoidant. Only positive family experiences during developmental years contribute to the
development of a secure attachment pattern in an individual (Dinero et al., 2008; Feeney, Noller,
1990).

According to internal working model of attachment is a mental representation formed

through a child’s early experiences with their primary caregiver. This mental representation
influences how the child interacts and builds relationships with others as they grow. It also explains
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the differences in human behavior among [Link] perceived parenting life influence child over
period.

According to collins and read(1990) adult attachment scale contains three subscales. The
three subscales are close, depend, and anxiety. The close scale measures the extent to which a
person is comfortable with closeness and intimacy. The depend scale measures the extent to which
a person feels he/she can depend on others to be available when needed. The anxiety subscale
measures the extent to which a person is worried about being abandoned or unloved. According to
them high scores on close and Depend ,low scores on Anxiety considered as secure attachment.
Like high score on anxiety , moderate scores on close and Depend considered as anxious
attachment .And avoidant attachment style include low scores on Close , Depend and Anxiety.

Mohammadi et al., (2016), noted that attachment patterns are triggered and activated during
conflictual times. Therefore, in the case of married couples, attachment pattern within a partner
affect the most during disagreements and disputes, it becomes evident through the reactions and
responses from the partner. It is of paramount importance to ensure that a healthy and secure
parenting is provided to a child because, it is found that children when subjected to prolonged
separation from caregiver respond though three main ways: protest, despair and detachment
(Bowlby, Ainsworth, 1991; Simpson, 1990). Based upon these, in the future anxiously attached
people show extreme level of protest and despair when being separated from partner. But Bowlby
(1973), points out that those people tend to bottle up their emotions out of fear of losing their
partner’s love. But there are chances of leaking of these emotions either verbally or non-verbally
(Feeney, 1999). Bowlby and Ainsworth (1991), also mentioned that if the child shows detachment
to separation, it is also likely to show detachment from reuniting with the same caregiver and get
attached with a new caregiver who is capable of providing with required warmth, care and support.
By the same token, in the future if they experience a separation from the partner, avoidantly
attached people shows extreme levels of emotional and behavioral detachment from them
(Simpson, 1990). They gradually escape from that relationship and often step into extra marital
affairs to avoid the menaces of being close to someone (Fathi et al.,2011). People with secure
attachment pattern are likely to openly discuss their emotions with partner and also directly express
them (Feeney, 1999).
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According to internal working model of attachment we can see a relationship between

perceived parenting style and attachment [Link] in this study we are found that the perceived
parenting styles and attachment pattern among newlyweds. And 1-5 year married couples included
this study.

Role of perceived parenting on attachment styles

Modern era has made marriages more complicated. The honeymoon phase in marriages
will gradually take a back seat and couples are forced to battle the real challenges of a married life.
The atmosphere can be new and strange to the couples, where they have to deal with in-laws,
manage finances, work around with two careers, take care of children, and not having a self-time.
It is a tangled shift from being single to having to take care of another person. Most relationships
have lost the depth and soul of it, and are just putting up with the relationship out of commitment.
In the midst of all these challenges, it is very important for the couples to find a strong base and
support to fight the storm and keep the sparkle alive in their intimate relationship. It is very
important to maintain a strong feeling of emotional closeness to each other, i.e., a healthy
attachment pattern is very necessary to build the foundation of a marital life. And it can be very
toxic and threatening when this attachment pattern goes out of hand. Being clingy and insecure
can suffocate the spouse, and relationship as well. A healthy attachment pattern within an
individual can be built with healthy parenting practises. Therefore, parenting styles are considered
as an important contributor in the success of a marital life.

NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE

The first phase of marriage is considered as the first five years of married life (Bowlby,
1979). This period is filled with great turmoil and intense emotional experiences. Conflicts,
communication gap, lack of quality time, fidelity, sexual dissatisfaction, financial background,
perceived partner commitment and expectations affect the quality of relationships. Marriages in
the context of Kerala, have lost the soul and depth in it. The low-quality relationship among
couples makes them dissatisfied with their married life. People often have a decreased sense of
worth and belonging. Therefore, it is important to identify the root cause of insecurities in a
relationship and rectify them to establish a happy and more secured married life. Parenting style
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is assumed to be a great factor that contributes in the development of a secure and stable attachment
pattern within an individual. Traditional and more conservative parenting practices are still
prevalent in Kerala, which could negatively influence the development of a secure attachment
pattern in an individual. Therefore, it is necessary to stop the chain of unhealthy parenting practices
and its high time to relearn what has been learnt as traditional way of rearing a child. As the present
study investigates the relationship between parenting style and attachment pattern, it brings a ray
of enlightenment to young parents to choose the most appropriate approach to rear their children
in order to build a safe and secure space for them in future. Also, it helps couples to recognize and
analyze their behavioral patterns and thought process, and consciously work on it to mold the
attachment pattern through mutual support and care.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Present study will explore how perceived parenting style is related with the attachment
pattern exhibited by individuals in their first phase of married life. Insecurities in a married life
can create a toxic atmosphere in a bond and can wreak havoc on the quality of that relationship.
This study focuses to identify the influence of parenting style on attachment pattern and tackle the
issue at its fundamental level. Hence, the researcher decides to study the relationship between
perceived parenting style and attachment pattern among newlyweds.
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Introduction to review of literature

A literature review is a part of academic writing that shows that you know and understand
the academic literature on a particular subject in the context of the topic. A literature review is a
summary and analysis of previous research and theories. A literature review is typically one of the
first tasks carried out after deciding on a topic because it also includes a critical evaluation of the
material. reading alongside critical analysis can aid in topic refinement and research question
formulation. Before beginning a new investigation, a literature review ensures familiarity with and
comprehension of the most recent research in a particular field. You should be able to determine
what research has already been conducted on your topic and what is unknown by conducting a
literature review.

A literature review is a part of writing that provides an account of what accredited scholars
and researchers have already published by using guiding concepts. It is worthwhile for an
investigator to conduct a comprehensive review of the problems and its related aspects prior work.
Surveys of related studies help the investigator’s general scholarship by avoiding duplication,
providing theories, ideas, explanations, or hypotheses that are useful in formulating the problem.

Parenting styles

Bharath and Shobha (2019) conducted a study on parenting styles and its impact on
academic achievement and emotional intelligence among preadolescents in the age group of 10-
14 years. The result revealed that parent with emotional coaching parenting style their children
good performance in their academic achievement. And parents with laissez- faire parenting style
their children have low scores on their emotional intelligence and academic achievement.

Elena and Dorina (2015) conducted research with the title attachment and parenting style.
this study evaluated the correlation between the types of adult attachment and parenting styles in
74 adults. According to the study’s findings, authoritative parenting styles and secure adult
attachment are significantly correlated. This finding implies that secure attachment experiences
with a partner were positively associated with authoritative parenting styles and negatively
associated with lower levels of responsive caregiving, which in turn were related to reduced
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authoritative parenting and increased authoritarian and permissive parenting .their final model
showed that parenting styles and attachment were mediated by responsiveness to partner, and that
there was no difference in these mediated relationships between mothers and fathers.

Abolghasem , Rajab Moghadam and Tarsafi (2015) conducted a study titled the
relationship between parenting styles and creativity and the predictability of creativity by
parenting styles. The population consisted of male and female junior high school students in grade
1,2 and 3 in Tehran, Iran’s educational zones 2,3 and 5. A significant positive relationship between
a strict parenting style and creativity was found among 400 students who were chosen at random.
Permissive parenting style and creativity were not found to be significantly correlated. The creative
development of children can be aided by authoritative parenting.

Zervidas and Knowles (2007) conducted a study on parenting style and the impact of
culture. This study compared the parenting styles of Greek - Australians and Anglo-Australians
across cultures to examine generational changes in parenting styles and the impact of culture. The
results also showed that males from both generations were more likely to have an authoritative
style than males. However, males from either generation did not have a more permissive style of
parenting than males. A generational change in parenting styles towards a more lenient and
democratic style may have occurred, but the results suggested that this reflected an overall societal
trend towards an authoritative child rearing style.

Overprotection and Care

Tillery, Long and Phipps (2014) conducted a study on child perception of parental care and
overprotection in children with cancer and healthy children. The result indicates that children with
cancer did not differ from healthy children in their perceptions of parental care or overprotection.
Child distress was more strongly related to perceptions of care and overprotection than child’s
health status.

Klein and pierce (2009) found that parental care aids, but parental overprotection hinders, college
adjustment. 83 undergraduate college students included this study. college adjustment scale and
parental bonding instrument were used for this. The results show the most successful college
adjustment was seen in students with parents viewed as providing the unique combination of high
care and low protection. Higher parental care and less overprotective were associated with better
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college adjustment across several domains of college -related problems. Both maternal and
parental care was critical for successful college adjustment.

Cappelli, mcgranth, macdonnald, katsanis and Lascelles (1989) conducted a study. The
aim of the study was to compare healthy controls and children with cystic fibrosis in terms of
parental care and overprotection. The finding showed no differences between control and children
with cystic fibrosis in the degree of parental care or overprotection. Yet, a number of strong links
between parental care and overprotection and children’s psychosocial functioning were
discovered. Particularly, it was discovered poor psychosocial functioning and parental
overprotection were positively correlated in cystic fibrosis children, whereas poor psychosocial
functioning in healthy children was connected with lack of parental care. Parental overprotection
and care appear to play important roles in the emotional and physiological functioning of healthy
and chronically ill children.

Perceived parenting styles

Kaur and Kanwal Preet (2020) conducted a study on perceived parenting and perceived
teaching style in relation to cognitive skills and social maturity of IX grades. The study included
479 respondents. The findings demonstrated that, in comparison to low favorable perceived
parenting styles with teacher -centered perceived teaching style, high favorable perceived
parenting styles with student – centered perceived teaching style resulted in higher mean scores of
IX graders cognitive skills and social maturity.

Sehgal and Kamini (2020) found that crime tendencies among adolescents in relation to
perceived parenting style, emotional maturity and demographic variables on a sample of 1000
students of class XI from government and private schools in different districts of Punjab state. The
result shows that the adolescents perceiving authoritarian parenting style and laissez-faire
parenting style were more inclined to crime as compared to adolescents perceiving democratic
parenting style. And no crime tendencies were found in emotionally mature adolescents.

Dsouza and Janet (2009) conducted a study on the impact of perceived parenting style on social
competence, academic achievement and self -esteem of middle school children. The result
indicates that the authoritative parenting style encourage higher levels of social competence,
academic grades and self-esteem than authoritarian and permissive parenting style.
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Adult attachment

Heidari and Venkatesh (2021) studied influence of attachment styles on marital satisfaction
married couples. The current study sought to investigate the impact of adult attachment styles on
marital contentment in Indian married couples. The study included 304 respondents from various
Indian cities. According to the findings, respondents with secure and dismissive attachment styles
were more satisfied with their marriage than those with preoccupied and fearful attachment styles.
However, participants who had been married for at least 20 years were more likely to have a secure
attachment style and were more satisfied with their marriage.

Aynew (2016) conducted a study on individual difference in relationship satisfaction using

attachment theory as a framework. The study included 306 respondents from community sample.
The result indicates that statistically significant correlation was found between /among most
variables/constructs in this study. The standard regression revealed that both attachment
dimensions reported higher relationship satisfaction.

Abbasi, Tabatabaei, sharbaf and karshki (2016) conducted on a study relationsip of

attachment styles and emotional intelligence with marital satisfaction. The study included 450
married people were selected using multi stage sampling method in mashhad , iran in 2011.
Attachment styles of questionnaire, bar on emotional quotient inventory and enrich marital
satisfaction questionnaire were used in this study. The result shows attachment styles and
emotional intelligence are the key factors in marital satisfaction that decrease marital disagreement
and increase the positive interactions of the couples. The result also indicated that secure
attachment style has positive significant relationship with marital satisfaction, also avoidant
attachment style and ambivalent attachment style have negative significant relationship with
marital satisfaction.

Honari and Akbar (2015) the purpose of this study was to investigate the connection
between university student’s obsessive love styles and attachment styles.306 graduate students
from the university of Nyshaboor Iran were selected for the samples. The adult attachment style
and love attitude style questionnaire were used to collect data. As a result, we can draw the
conclusion that the obsessive love styles are influenced by the ambivalent insecure attachment
style. Different analyses revealed a strong connection between attachment styles and obsessive
love styles.
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Shaver, Belsky and Brennan (2000) conducted attachment models and their relationships
with anxiety, worry and depression. 1040 respondents included in this study. Who completed adult
attachment scale, the state trait anxiety inventory, the Penn state worry questionnaire and the beck
depression inventory. The result indicates that attachment models are related to self – reported
levels anxiety, worry and depression with some exceptions.

Fuller and fincham (1995) conducted the association between attachment style, mental
models of the spouse, satisfaction, affect regulation within the marriage, the stability of attachment
style, and its operationalization were among the various aspects of attachment in marriage that we
investigated. Initial assessments were completed by 53 married couples, and a 24month follow-up
was completed by 44 0f them. Positive and negative emotions immediately preceding a potentially
stressful event, as well as the spouse’s mental model, were associated with attachment style. Over
a two-year period, approximately 35% of the subjects changed their attachment style rating;
changes in spouse mental models were linked to later attachment styles. the results of categorical
and dimensional attachment style measures were no the same.

Conclusion

Marriage has been seen as a social institution in which two people commit themselves to a
socially, spiritually, and legally, sanctioned relationship. Establishing a marriage is simple, but
maintaining a healthy and positive relationship and commitment is hard. There are several keys to
a successful married life and one among them is a healthy and secure attachment pattern towards
the spouse. An individual who has a secure attachment pattern will appreciate their own self-worth
and will be able to seek support and comfort from their partner. Attachment pattern develops from
infancy and are considered to be stable across one’s lifetime. The most important factor that
contribute to the development of attachment pattern is the parenting style given to the individual
in their infancy. Several studies have been conducted to study the impacts of parenting style on
various aspects of an individual’s life. Also, there are plethora of studies discussing the
development of attachment pattern in married couples. But the investigator identifies a research
gap in terms of correlation between different parenting styles that leads to a particular attachment
pattern and which eventually influences the married life. Hence, the researcher decided to fill the
void present in this area.
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METHODOLOGY

Methodology is a collection of methods, practices, processes, techniques, procedures, and

rules. Methodology is a set of ideas or guidelines about how to proceed in gathering and validating
knowledge of a subject matter. Different areas of science have developed very different bodies of
methodology on the basis of which to conduct their research. Methodology provides guide for
carrying out activities like probing the empirical details of a domain of phenomena, discovering
explanations of surprising outcomes or patterns, identifying entities or forces, establishing
patterns, providing predictions, etc. This chapter deals with the methods used in the present study.
Present study aims to assess the relationship between perceived parenting style and attachment
pattern among newlyweds. It discusses the methodology employed in conducting the present
study. The contents of the chapter include participants of the study, measures used to collect the
data, procedure of data collection and statistical techniques.

RESEARCH DESIGN

The present study follows a quantitative research design. It is a data collection method that
uses numerical data to study social, psychological, political and economic issues. Here a
correlational quantitative method is used to study the data.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the attachment pattern of newly wed individuals.

To determine the perceived parenting style of the newly wed individuals.

To analyse the relationship between perceived parenting style and attachment pattern among
newlyweds.

HYPOTHESES

Ho: there is no significant relationship between overprotection and closeness

Ho: there is no significant relationship between overprotection and dependency

Ho: there is no significant relationship between overprotection and anxiety

Ho: there is no significant relationship between care and closeness

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Ho: there is no significant relationship between care and dependency

Ho: there is no significant relationship between care and anxiety

Ho: there is no significant relationship between perceived parenting styles and attachment pattern
among newlyweds.

KEY WORDS

Parenting Style, Perceived Parenting Style, Adult Attachment, Over Protection, Care, Newlyweds

DEFINITION

Theoretical definitions:

Parenting style: Parenting style is defined as a constellation of parents' attitudes and behaviours
toward children and an emotional climate in which the parents' behaviours are expressed (Darling
and Steinberg, 1993).

Perceived parenting style: perceived parenting style is described as the parenting style which in
the opinion of the adolescents or children is received by them from their parents during their
childhood/ adolescence.

Attachment: According to Bowlby (1977), attachment is the warm connection between an infant
and primary caregiver, where the attachment figure (primary caregiver) is expected to provide a
safe and secure ambiance to the infant where he/she can actively explore oneself and excel in
his/her environment.

Newlyweds: people who recently entered into marriage is called newlyweds

Operational definitions:

Perceived Parenting Style: it is the parenting style perceived by the individual for how they
remember their parents during their first 16 years. It is measured in terms of two scales, i.e., care
and overprotection/control.

Care: it is a central dimension of parenting style that is composed of care and indifference, where
parents are responsive to the needs and demands of the child.
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Overprotection/ control: it is a dimension composed of overprotection and autonomy, in which

parents hover or control the actions of their child by being highly demanding.

Attachment: it is the deep emotional bond which includes comfort with closeness and intimacy,
comfort with depending on others, and worry about being rejected or unloved.

Secure Attachment pattern: it is an attachment pattern with high levels of comfort with closeness,
intimacy and depending on others without being worried about being rejected or unloved.

Anxious Attachment pattern: it is an attachment pattern with extreme level of worry about being
rejected and unloved whereas a moderate or low level of comfort with closeness and depending
on others.

Avoidant Attachment pattern: it is an attachment pattern in which the individual has extremely low
level of comfort with closeness or intimacy, depending on others and worry about being rejected
or unloved.

Newlyweds: newlyweds are those who have been married for not more than 5 years.

PARTICIPANTS

The population taken in the study is the newly weds aged between 20 to 35. The total
number of samples taken is 120. The sampling method used is purposive sampling method. It is a
non-probability sampling method in which samples are selected because they have the
characteristics required for the study.

Inclusion Criteria

 Newlyweds aged between 20 to 35

 Newlyweds who have been married for not more than 5 years
 Individuals should be living with their parents in their initial 16 years

Exclusion Criteria

 Newly weds who are not cohabiting

 Divorced/separated individuals who have remarried
 Individuals who have studied in boarding schools in their initial 16 years
 Individuals whose parents were divorced/separated during their initial 16 years
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 Individuals whose parents were abroad in their initial 16 years.

MEASURE

Variable: Perceived Parenting Style

Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI): PBI is a 25-item scale with two subscales of care (12 items)
and overprotection (13 items), developed by Parker et al. in 1979. The two subscales measure
fundamental parenting styles as perceived by the child. The measure is retrospective, meaning that
adults (over 16 years) complete the measure for how they remember their parents during their first
16 years. The measure is to be completed for both mothers and fathers separately.

Reliability and Validity

The PBI has been found to have good reliability and validity based on several studies. In the
original study the PBI possessed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The PBI has
been shown to have satisfactory construct and convergent validity.

Administration

The test was administered individually via google form. The participants were asked to follow the
instructions and fill the particulars in the questionnaire. Even though no time limit is specified the
response sheet was given back within a week.

Scoring

The participants had to fill two forms of PBI, i.e., mother’s form and father’s form. They had to
respond to each statement by choosing any one of the four alternatives very like, moderately like,
moderately unlike and very unlike. Items 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 24 in the PBI measure
the dimension ‘care.’ The alternatives very like, moderately like, moderately unlike and very
unlike of items 1, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 17 are scored as 3, 2, 1 and 0 respectively, where as items 2, 4,
14, 16, 18 and 24 are reverse scored. Items 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25 in the PBI
measure the dimension ‘overprotection.’ The alternatives very like, moderately like, moderately
unlike and very unlike of items 8, 9, 10, 13, 19, 20 and 23 are scored as 3, 2, 1 and 0 respectively,
whereas items 3, 7, 15, 21, 22 and 25 are reverse scored.

Variable: Attachment
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Adult Attachment Scale (AAS): this is an 18-item scale, which contains three subscales, each
composed of six items, developed by Collins & Read in 1990. The three subscales are Close,
Depend and Anxiety. The Close subscale measures the extent to which a person is comfortable
with closeness and intimacy. The Depend subscale measures the extent to which a person feels
he/she can depend on others to be available when needed. The Anxiety subscale measures the
extent to which a person is worried about being rejected or unloved. This scale concerns how one
generally feels in important close relationships in one’s life. Revised adult attachment scale was
used in order to determine the attachment pattern of the samples.

Reliability and Validity

Collins & Read (1990) reported Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of .69 for Close, .75 for Depend,
and .72 for Anxiety. Test-retest correlations for a 2-month period were .68 for Close, .71 for
Depend, and .52 for Anxiety. The scale has a high construct validity.

Administration

The test was administered individually via google form. The participants were asked to follow the
instructions and fill the particulars in the questionnaire. Even though no time limit is specified the
response sheet was given back within a week.

Scoring

Items 1, 6, 8*, 12, 13* and 17* measure the dimension ‘close’; items 2*, 5, 7*, 14, 16*and 18*
measures ‘depend’ and items 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 15 measure ‘anxiety.’ Each item is rated on a 5-
point scale ranging from 1 = not at all characteristic to 5 = very characteristic.

* Items with an asterisk are to be reverse scored before computing the subscale mean.

PROCEDURE FOR DATA COLLECTION

Since the population is from newlyweds in different places of Kerala, the method of data collection
used was google forms. All questions with necessary guidelines and information with contact
information of the investigator were prepared via google form and was only sent to population
who are newlyweds aged between 20 and 35, who have been married for not more than 5 years.
All the queries and doubts were clarified through phone calls and mail.
 18

STATISTICAL TOOLS USED FOR DATA ANALYSIS

The statistical tool used for data analysis of this study is Karl Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient.

Karl Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient:

It is a measure of the strength of a linear association between two variables and is denoted by r.
Basically, a Pearson product-moment correlation attempts to draw a line of best fit through the
data of two variables, and the Pearson correlation coefficient, r, indicates how far away all these
data points are to this line of best fit. SPSS Version 25 is used for the data analysis.
 19

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

This chapter gives the result of the statistical analysis performed and the discussion of the
findings. The objective of the study was to analyse the relationship between perceived parenting
style and attachment pattern among newlyweds. the collected data was tabulated and analysed
using SPSS. Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation among
the variables.

4.1. Relationship between overprotection and closeness among newlyweds

To find out the relationship between overprotection and closeness among newlyweds,
researcher runs Pearson correlation and the obtained results are given in table 1.

Table 1. Relationship between overprotection and closeness among newlyweds.

close
Pearson
-.481
Correlation
over-
protection Sig. (2-tailed) .048

N 120

Table 1. shows the relationship between overprotection and closeness among newlyweds. The total
number of newlyweds participated in the study is 120. The correlation coefficient between
overprotection and closeness is -0.481 with a p value of 0.048 (<0.05).

It can be inferred that overprotection of parents is negatively correlated with the closeness and
intimacy in attachment pattern of the participants. Hence, the null hypothesis, there is no
significant relationship between overprotection and closeness among newlyweds is rejected. It can
be concluded that as the level of perceived parental overprotection increases, the level of comfort
with closeness and intimacy in married life decreases. This can be due to the low competent social
skills in individuals raised with overprotective parenting pattern. Overprotectiveness reinforces an
individual to avoid social situations and it can restrict opportunities to build friendships and close
relationships. This result is in line with the findings of the studies of Simpson (1990), i.e., in
avoidant attachment pattern people deny the need for a greater social interaction and often escape
 20

from close relationships. Also, Taylor and Toro (2012), found that perceived parenting styles are
predictive of the presence or absence of certain attachment styles in the future.

4.2. Relationship between overprotection and dependency among newly weds

To find out the relationship between overprotection and dependency among newlyweds,
researcher runs Pearson correlation and the obtained results are given in table 2.

Table 2. Relationship between overprotection and dependency among newlyweds

depend
Pearson Correlation 0.5
over-protection Sig. (2-tailed) 0.02
N 120

Table 2. shows the relationship between overprotection and dependency among newlyweds. The
total number of newlyweds participated in the study is 120. The correlation coefficient between
overprotection and dependency is 0.5 with a p value of 0.02 (<0.05).

It can be inferred that overprotection of parents is positively correlated with the dependency in the
attachment pattern of the participants. Hence, the null hypothesis, there is no significant
relationship between overprotection and dependency among newlyweds is rejected. It can be
concluded that as the level of perceived parental overprotection increases, the level of dependency
in the participants also increases. This can be because overprotective parents value dependency
rather than autonomy, which creates insecurities in an individual and lowers the sense of self-
worth in them. This result is in line with the findings of the study conducted by Fonte (2009) and
Lopes et al. (2004), i.e., over protective parenting style can make the children dependent to parents
and they are less likely to feel autonomous and are unable to cope with hardships. They tend to
 21

depend on others to feel validated and acknowledged. They often fail to recognise and respect
other people’s boundaries and they themselves have a hard time in setting healthy boundaries

4.3. Relationship between overprotection and anxiety among newlyweds

To find out the relationship between overprotection and anxiety among newlyweds, researcher
runs Pearson correlation and the obtained results are given in table 3.

Table 3. Relationship between overprotection and anxiety among newlyweds

anxiety
Pearson Correlation .208
over-protection Sig. (2-tailed) .023
N 120

Table 3. shows the relationship between overprotection and anxiety among newlyweds. The total
number of newlyweds participated in the study is 120. The correlation coefficient between
overprotection and anxiety is 0.208 with a p value of 0.023 (<0.05).

It can be inferred that overprotection of parents is positively correlated with the anxiety in the
attachment pattern of the participants. Hence, the null hypothesis, there is no significant
relationship between overprotection and anxiety among newlyweds is rejected. It can be concluded
that as the level of perceived parental overprotection increases, the level of anxiety in the
participants also increases. This can be because overprotective parents may over parent their
children because of their bias towards threats and increased perception of danger. This constant
high stress level of parents reminds children of danger and can cause increased levels of anxiety
in them. This result is supported by the findings of the studies conducted by Fuller and Fincham
(1995); Dinero et al., (2008); Feeney, Noller, (1990), i.e., the presence or over protection of an
attachment figure, than necessary, at times leads to the hyperactivation of attachment system
making the person more anxious. Such individuals may also feel highly anxious in intimate
 22

relationships and they need to be constantly reassured of everything, as they have an intense fear
of rejection and abandonment in them. They can also be highly clingily to the spouse.

4.4. Relationship between care and closeness among newlyweds

To find out the relationship between care and closeness among newlyweds, researcher runs
Pearson correlation and the obtained results are given in the table 4.

Table 4. Relationship between care and closeness among newlyweds

close
Pearson
.508
Correlation
Care Sig. (2-tailed) .043
N 120

Table 4. shows the relationship between care and closeness among newlyweds. The total number
of newlyweds participated in the study is 120. The correlation coefficient between care and
closeness is 0.508 with a p value of 0.043 (<0.05).

It can be inferred that care of parents is positively correlated with the closeness in the attachment
pattern of the participants. Hence, the null hypothesis, there is no significant relationship between
care and closeness among newlyweds is rejected. It can be concluded that as the level of perceived
parental care increases, the level of closeness in the participants also increases. This result is in
line with the study conducted by Parade et al., in 2012, i.e., when parenting practices include
expression of affection and care, it is found to increase the rate of interaction with family members
and family cohesion. It can be because warmth and care in parenting pattern instils a sense of trust
inrelationships. Individuals find it comfortable with being close to their significant other and often
feel emotionally connected and supported.

4.5. Relationship between care and dependency among newlyweds

 23

To find out the relationship between care and dependency among newlyweds, researcher
runs Pearson correlation and the obtained results are given in the table 5.

Table 5. Relationship between care and dependency among newlyweds

depend
Pearson
.451
Correlation
Care
Sig. (2-tailed) .031
N 120
Table 5. shows the relationship between care and dependency among newlyweds. The total number
of newlyweds participated in the study is 120. The correlation coefficient between care and
dependency is 0.451 with a p value of 0.031 (<0.05).

It can be inferred that care of parents is positively correlated with the dependency in the attachment
pattern of the participants. Hence, the null hypothesis, there is no significant relationship between
care and dependency among newlyweds is rejected. It can be concluded that as the level of
perceived parental care increases, the level of dependency in the participants also increases. This
can be because parental care and warmth provide a sense of comfort and security to children. they
find it easy to depend on others whenever needed. They may not hesitate to seek out for help and
support in a marriage. This result is in line with the findings of the study conducted by Feeney in
1990, i.e., people with secure attachment pattern are likely to openly discuss their emotions with
their partner and also directly express them. They tend to have an optimal level of dependency
whenever required.

4.6. Relationship between care and anxiety among newlyweds

To find out the relationship between care and anxiety among newlyweds, researcher runs Pearson
correlation and the obtained results are given in the table 6.

Table 6. Relationship between care and anxiety among newlyweds

 24

anxiety
Pearson
-.685
Correlation
Care Sig. (2-tailed) .043
N 120

Table 6. shows the relationship between care and anxiety among newlyweds. The total number of
newlyweds participated in the study is 120. The correlation coefficient between care and anxiety
is -0.685 with a p value of 0.43 (<0.05).

It can be inferred that care of parents is positively correlated with the anxiety in the attachment
pattern of the participants. Hence, the null hypothesis, there is no significant relationship between
care and anxiety among newlyweds is rejected. It can be concluded that as the level of perceived
parental care increases, the level of anxiety in the participants also increases. This can be because
parental warmth and care creates a secure atmosphere for the child to express the needs and
concerns of the child without hesitation. This result is in line with the findings of Erden and Uredi
(2008), i.e., authoritative parenting style enable children to use more self-regulated learning
strategies, improves self-efficacy i.e., confidence in one’s own abilities and reduces anxiety in
children.

4.7. Relationship between perceived parenting styles and attachment among newlyweds

To find out the relationship between perceived parenting styles and attachment among newlyweds,
researcher runs Pearson correlation and the obtained results are given in the table 6.

attachment
Pearson
.714
Perceived Correlation
parenting Sig. (2-tailed) .023
N 120
Table 7. Relationship between perceived parenting styles and attachment among newlyweds
 25

Table 7. shows the relationship between perceived parenting styles and attachment among
newlyweds. The total number of newlyweds participated in the study is 120. The correlation
coefficient between perceived parenting style and attachment is 0.714 with a p value of 0.023
(<0.05).

It can be inferred that perceived parenting style is positively correlated with the attachment pattern
of the participants. Hence, it is clear that parenting styles mould the attachment pattern within an
individual. Therefore, the null hypothesis, there is no significant relationship between perceived
parenting style and attachment pattern among newlyweds is rejected. This result is in line with the
studies conducted by Bowlby (1977), Waters (et al., 2000) and Bartholomew, (1990). Thus, it can
be concluded that early family experiences can alter the trajectory of development of attachment
pattern within an individual.
 26

5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

This chapter summarizes and reviews the findings of the present investigation. Conclusions
based on the interpretations of the data are also discussed. Further, the limitations of the study and
recommendations for the future research are highlighted.

5.1. PARTICIPANTS

The population taken in the study is the newlyweds aged between 20 to 35. The total number of
samples taken is 120. The sampling method used is purposive sampling method.

5.2. MEASURES

Two measures are used to collect data from the participants

5.2.1. Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI):

PBI is a 25-item scale with two subscales of care (12 items) and overprotection (13 items),
developed by Parker et al. in 1979, to measure the perceived parenting style of the individuals
above 16 years of age.

5.2.2. Adult Attachment Scale (AAS):

AAS is an 18-item scale, which contains three subscales, each composed of six items, developed
by Collins & Read in 1990. The three subscales are Close, Depend and Anxiety. This scale
concerns how one generally feels in important close relationships in one’s life

5.3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

• To determine the attachment pattern of newly wed individuals.

• To determine the perceived parenting style of the newly wed individuals.
• To analyse the relationship between perceived parenting style and attachment pattern
among newlyweds.

5.4. HYPOTHESES TESTED

H1: there is no significant relationship between overprotection and closeness

H2: there is no significant relationship between overprotection and dependency

 27

H3: there is no significant relationship between overprotection and anxiety

H4: there is no significant relationship between care and closeness

H5: there is no significant relationship between care and dependency

H6: there is no significant relationship between care and anxiety

H7: there is no significant relationship between perceived parenting styles and attachment pattern
among newlyweds.

5.5. FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

1. There is significant relationship between overprotection and closeness among newlyweds.

2. There is significant relationship between overprotection and dependency among
newlyweds.
3. There is significant relationship between overprotection and anxiety among newlyweds.
4. There is significant relationship between care and closeness among newlyweds.
5. There is significant relationship between care and dependency among newlyweds.
6. There is significant relationship between care and anxiety among newlyweds.
7. There is significant relationship between perceived parenting style and attachment among
newlyweds.

5.6. IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY

The present study reveals that the parenting style received in childhood is a strong predictor
of attachment pattern developed within an individual. The parenting dimensions care and
overprotection is correlated with the dimensions of the attachment pattern as well. Parental care
increases the comfort of being close with someone, encourages the individual to depend on others
and seek out for help when required without hesitation and reduces the level of anxiety
considerably. On the other hand, parental overprotection decreases the comfort of being in a close
relationship, makes the individual over dependent on others and increases the level of anxiety in
the individual. The inferences drawn from the study clearly explains how healthy parenting
patterns builds a secure and positive attachment style in a child. Even though once formed
attachment pattern is relatively stable, it remains accessible to adaptation and changes in
accordance with varying life events.
 28

5.7. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

1. Sample size was limited to 120 participants.

2. There can be numerous extraneous variables which may affect the results
3. Samples are limited to people in Kerala
4. Online data collection method made certain difficulties for doubt clarifications and face to
face guidance.
5. Different social and cultural parenting practices remained as a hindrance for the study.

5.8. SCOPE FOR FURTHER STUDIES

The study was fruitful to analyze the relationship between perceived parenting style and
attachment pattern among newlyweds. in light of the findings of the present study, the investigator
puts forward the following suggestions for further research in this area.

1. Sample size need to be increased for more accurate results

2. Face to face data collection methods can be employed
3. Qualitative methods of data collection can be employed to explore more on this topic.
4. Other extraneous variables such as socioeconomic status, birth order, job satisfaction etc.
may be included to minimize the errors of the findings.
5. Comparative study on the topic can be conducted to find out the difference between males
and females.
 29

[Link] reflection

Group work is a form of voluntary association of members benefiting from cooperative

learning that enhances the total output of the activity than when done individually". The purpose
of this report is to reflect my experience on our group project. This includes how we formed the
group, organization of work and how we manage our group work.

In the initial stage of group formation, Suraya P.K, Kareena k Mathew and me decided to
form a group of three for the project work. Working in a group can be difficult at times. Different
people with different views may not always agree with one another. Throughout the work, we
were able to be on track and worked together in collecting ideas from each other and make it into
one. Everyone shared their ideas on the project. The first challenge faced after group formation
was how to organize the work to complete the task on time. At first, we divided the task into
smaller pieces and assigned these parts to each team member. We then developed a time line for
the completion of the dissertation. After hearing everyone's viewpoints we came to an
agreements and disagreements were identified, and adequate decisions were taken. Then finally
we came into our topic. Our communication skills play an important role in this project. We
divided the tasks like finding research tool, data collection, scoring, result and discussion, etc.
For data collection we split into group of two collected the data from various schools of Calicut
and everyone did their part successfully. I feel that one has to trust in their group member to
make effective. And experience with our mentor was very good. Moreover, I have obtained a set
of professional and personal gains as a result of completing the research report.

[Link]
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8. APPENDICIES
8.1. CERTIFICATE OF CONSENT
Title of the study: Relationship between Perceived Parenting Style and Attachment Pattern
among Newlyweds.
Chief investigators: Kareena K Mathew, Suraya P. K. & Naveena P. M.
 34

BSc. Psychology,
Dept. of Psychology,
Little Flower Institute of Social Sciences and Health, Kaithapoyil,
University of Calicut.

You are invited to participate in this research of “Relationship between Perceived Parenting
Style and Attachment pattern among Newlyweds.” This consent will provide you with the
information you will need to consider whether to participate in this study. If you decide to
participate, you will be asked to sign this consent form which implies that you have understood
the details of the study and that you agree to participate and respond as truthfully as you can.
Any queries regarding the study will be answered by the researcher.

Undertaking by the Investigator:

Information collected from you will only be used for the research purpose without disclosing your
identity. You have the freedom to withdraw from the study at any point without consequence of
any kind.

PLACE : NAVEENA P M

DATE : BSC PSYCHOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF
PSYCHOLOGY

LISSAH,KAITHAPOYIL

SIGN:

8.2 SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC DETAILS

Name:
Age:
Sex:
Religion:
Educational qualification:
 35

Occupation:
Was your parent abroad/late during your initial 16 years of life?
Did they got separated during your initial 16 years of life?
Did they got separated during your initial 16 years of life?
Have you studied at boarding school in your initial 16 years of life?
Is this your first marriage?
Was your marriage arranged or love?
What is the age difference between you and your spouse?
How long have you known your spouse before marriage in years?
The duration of your married life in years:
Are you both living together or apart?
How many children do you have ?
Which kind of family you belong to?

8.3. PARENTAL BONDING INSTRUMENT (PBI):

PBI is a 25-item scale with two subscales of care (12 items) and overprotection (13 items),
developed by Parker et al. in 1979. The two subscales measure fundamental parenting styles as
perceived by the child. The measure is retrospective, meaning that adults (over 16 years)
complete the measure for how they remember their parents during their first 16 years. The
measure is to be completed for both mothers and fathers separately.
 36

8.3.1. Reliability and Validity

The PBI has been found to have good reliability and validity based on several studies. In the
original study the PBI possessed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The PBI has
been shown to have satisfactory construct and convergent validity.

8.3.2. Scoring

Unlike the Intimate Bond Measure (IBM), not all items are scored in the same direction.
Care
Items: 1, 5, 6, 11, 12, 17: Very like = 3 Moderately like = 2
Moderately unlike = 1 Very unlike = 0
Items: 2, 4, 14, 16, 18, 24 Very unlike = 3 Moderately unlike = 2
Moderately like = 1 Very like = 0
Overprotection
Items: 8, 9, 10, 13, 19, 20, 23 Very like = 3 Moderately like = 2
Moderately unlike = 1 Very unlike = 0
Items: 3, 7, 15, 21, 22, 25 Very unlike = 3 Moderately unlike = 2
Moderately like = 1 Very like = 0

.
8.3.3. Reference
Parker, G., et al. (1979). A Parental Bonding Instrument. British Journal of Medical
Psychology, 1979, 52, 1-10

8.3.4. PARENTAL BONDING INSTRUMENT

MOTHER FORM
This questionnaire lists various attitudes and behaviours of parents. As you remember your
MOTHER in your first 16 years would you place a tick in the most appropriate box next to each
question.
Very Moderately Moderately Very
like like unlike unlike
1. Spoke to me in a warm and friendly voice
2. Did not help me as much as I needed
3. Let me do those things I liked doing
4. Seemed emotionally cold to me
5. Appeared to understand my problems and
worries
6. Was affectionate to me
 37

7. Liked me to make my own decisions

8. Did not want me to grow up
9. Tried to control everything I did
10. Invaded my privacy
11. Enjoyed talking things over with me
12. Frequently smiled at me
13. Tended to baby me
14. Did not seem to understand what I needed
or wanted
15. Let me decide things for myself
16. Made me feel I wasn’t wanted
17. Could make me feel better when I was
upset
18. Did not talk with me very much
19. Tried to make me feel dependent on
her/him
20. Felt I could not look after myself unless
she/he was around
21. Gave me as much freedom as I wanted
22. Let me go out as often as I wanted
23. Was overprotective of me
24. Did not praise me
25. Let me dress in any way I pleased

FATHER FORM
This questionnaire lists various attitudes and behaviours of parents. As you remember your
FATHER in your first 16 years would you place a tick in the most appropriate box next to each
question
Very Moderately Moderately Very
like like unlike unlike
1. Spoke to me in a warm and friendly voice
2. Did not help me as much as I needed
3. Let me do those things I liked doing
4. Seemed emotionally cold to me
5. Appeared to understand my problems and
worries
6. Was affectionate to me
 38

7. Liked me to make my own decisions

8. Did not want me to grow up
9. Tried to control everything I did
10. Invaded my privacy
11. Enjoyed talking things over with me
12. Frequently smiled at me
13. Tended to baby me
14. Did not seem to understand what I needed
or wanted
15. Let me decide things for myself
16. Made me feel I wasn’t wanted
17. Could make me feel better when I was
upset
18. Did not talk with me very much
19. Tried to make me feel dependent on
her/him
20. Felt I could not look after myself unless
she/he was around
21. Gave me as much freedom as I wanted
22. Let me go out as often as I wanted
23. Was overprotective of me
24. Did not praise me
25. Let me dress in any way I pleased

8.4. ADULT ATTACHMENT SCALE (AAS)

this is an 18-item scale, which contains three subscales, each composed of six items, developed
by Collins & Read in 1990. The three subscales are Close, Depend and Anxiety. The Close
subscale measures the extent to which a person is comfortable with closeness and intimacy. The
Depend subscale measures the extent to which a person feels he/she can depend on others to be
available when needed. The Anxiety subscale measures the extent to which a person is worried
about being rejected or unloved. This scale concerns how one generally feels in important close
relationships in one’s life. Revised adult attachment scale was used in order to determine the
attachment pattern of the samples.
 39

8.4.1. Reliability and Validity

Collins & Read (1990) reported Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of .69 for Close, .75 for Depend,
and .72 for Anxiety. Test-retest correlations for a 2-month period were .68 for Close, .71 for
Depend, and .52 for Anxiety. The scale has a high construct validity.

8.4.2. Scoring Instructions for the Revised Adult Attachment Scale

This scale contains three subscales, each composed of six items. The three subscales are CLOSE,
DEPEND, and ANXIETY. The CLOSE scale measures the extent to which a person is
comfortable with closeness and intimacy. The DEPEND scale measures the extent to which a
person feels he/she can depend on others to be available when needed. The ANXIETY subscale
measures the extent to which a person is worried about being rejected or unloved.

Original Scoring Instructions:

Average the ratings for the six items that compose each subscale as indicated below.

Scale Items

CLOSE 1 6 8* 12 13* 17*

DEPEND 2* 5 7* 14 16* 18*
ANXIETY 3 4 9 10 11 15
_________________________________

* Items with an asterisk should be reverse scored before computing the subscale mean.

Alternative Scoring:

If you would like to compute only two attachment dimensions – attachment anxiety (model of
self) and attachment avoidance (model of other) – you can use the following scoring procedure:

Scale Items

ANXIETY 3 4 9 10 11 15
AVOID 1* 2 5* 6* 7 8 12* 13 14* 16 17 18

* Items with an asterisk should be reverse scored before computing the subscale mean.

Cronbach’s alpha coefficient in 3 samples of undergraduates:

________________________________________________
 40

n Close Depend Anxiety

________________________________________________
173 .81 .78 .85
130 .80 .78 .85
100 .82 .80 .83

Revised Adult Attachment Scale (Collins, 1996)

Please read each of the following statements and rate the extent to which it describes your feelings about
romantic relationships. Please think about all your relationships (past and present) and respond in terms
of how you generally feel in these relationships. If you have never been involved in a romantic
relationship, answer in terms of how you think you would feel.

Please use the scale below by placing a number between 1 and 5 in the space provided to the
right of each statement.

1---------------2---------------3---------------4---------------5
Not at all Very
characteristic characteristic
of me of me
1) I find it relatively easy to get close to people. ________
2) I find it difficult to allow myself to depend on others. ________
3) I often worry that romantic partners don't really love me. ________
4) I find that others are reluctant to get as close as I would like. ________
5) I am comfortable depending on others. ________
6) I don’t worry about people getting too close to me. ________
7) I find that people are never there when you need them. ________
8) I am somewhat uncomfortable being close to others. ________
9) I often worry that romantic partners won’t want to stay with me. ________
10) When I show my feelings for others, I'm afraid they will not feel the ________
same about me.
11) I often wonder whether romantic partners really care about me. ________
12) I am comfortable developing close relationships with others. ________
13) I am uncomfortable when anyone gets too emotionally close to me. ________
14) I know that people will be there when I need them. ________
15) I want to get close to people, but I worry about being hurt. ________
16) I find it difficult to trust others completely. ________
17) Romantic partners often want me to be emotionally closer than I feel ________
comfortable being.
18) I am not sure that I can always depend on people to be there when I need them. ________